December 20
After waking up, I did my morning routine and wore a Pink strapless mini dress, white Clover jewelry with White Dior women's Empreinte rubber ankle boots. When I went to breakfast, Taeyong had already left, and after breakfast, Xingyi and I made our way to sleep.
A few of the unnies had already arrived before me. We were given our room, and after settling in and organizing my belongings, I was satisfied with how everything fit perfectly, with each item in its place, creating a visually pleasing harmony.
The room is a perfect blend of modern minimalism with a sleek design that embraces a calming color palette. The grey-themed walls, paired with purple curtains and a matching gray headboard, create a cohesive and serene atmosphere. Accents of white and teal green add subtle vibrancy while maintaining a clean and polished look.
The centerpiece of the room is the sleek vanity, a modern masterpiece with a glossy white finish and elegant gold accents. The round, gold-framed mirror atop the vanity adds a luxurious flair, reflecting light and making the space feel more open. Beneath, spacious drawers offer plenty of room for storing cosmetics and accessories. The minimalist chair, paired with the vanity, features a soft cushion for added comfort, perfectly complementing the overall aesthetic.
Adjacent to the vanity is a highly functional study area. The tall gaming chair provides ergonomic support, perfect for long hours of work or relaxation. The built-in study table is surrounded by sleek cabinets and shelves that house books and minimalistic decor. The subtle LED lighting underneath the shelving adds a modern touch while ensuring ample light for productivity.
The room extends to a balcony, offering an outdoor retreat. On one side, a cozy tea table with two chairs and a bean bag invites moments of relaxation. Opposite, there's a small modern garden with neatly arranged potted plants, bringing a fresh and natural element to the space. Hanging planters add vertical greenery, contributing to the tranquil ambiance of the balcony.
Completing the room is a small closet tucked away for storage, along with modern lighting fixtures that subtly enhance the room's sleek design. The combination of neutral tones, modern furniture, and soft lighting makes the space feel sophisticated yet cozy, a perfect modern sanctuary.
Later, I checked in on Lily unnie, who was still buried in unpacking her things. I couldn't resist giving her a hand, and together we made quick work of it. Just as we were finishing up, our phones buzzed simultaneously. We had been added to a group chat, and manager Unnie had sent over our schedule along with the scripts for our debut album, 'The Album'.
The lead single was titled "First," with other tracks like "The Game," "Young Mind," "Iris," and "9" completing the set. Excitement bubbled up inside me as I skimmed through the lyrics and studied my parts. Afterward, Lily and I cleaned up, washed our hands, and went down for lunch, which our new nanny had prepared.
Lunch was quick, and before we could catch our breath, we were ushered into the studio. We were split into three groups: Yuji, Minmin, and Somi in the first group, Hani, Rami, and Lily in the second, and, of course, the Maknae line in the third group. By the time dinner rolled around, we had finished recording four tracks. The day felt endless, but dinner was rich and comforting. I called my parents for a quick video chat, did my nightly skincare routine, and finally surrendered to sleep.
December 21
The day started with my usual routine. In our group chat, we discussed today's theme, which will be denim and pink.
I wore a fitted, long-sleeve crop top in shades of pink. It has a circular pink design at the center of the chest. Black wide-leg, slightly flared denim pants with a unique dour strap design to the waist from the center waist button. A Gucci GG quilted ankle boot in brown and a Prada pink heart-shaped bag with a pink Prada bear key tag. There are also matching accessories. The hairstyle is in two messy space buns with a few loose strands.
Our schedule was packed with a photoshoot, and after breakfast, we headed to the first floor, where the dorm's in-house studio awaited us. The hair and makeup artists worked their magic, transforming us into the first themed shoot: soft and pastel, perfect for the concept of innocence.
Afterward, the second shoot began. This time, the theme was dark academia, and the shift in mood was palpable. The team worked efficiently, and the photoshoot wrapped up quicker than expected. After the shoot, we took our lunch.
Back in the studio, manager Unnie gathered us to discuss our stage names and shared exciting details about our group's branding. She revealed our lightstick design. It has a sleek, cosmic latte handle with a red button for control. The top part of the light stick features a transparent hexagonal shape encasing a vibrant swirl of rainbow colors, creating a bright, glowing effect, and a safety rope in black. The group's official colors would be black and red, and each of us had personal items tied to those shades. I was already imagining the sea of red lights waving during our performances.
I returned to my room, took a long bath, and in the evening, we recorded the final song, took dinner, and had a heart-to-heart talk. After going to my room, after a few hours of studying, I wound down with my usual night routine and went to sleep.
December 22 - December 23
These days blurred together in a whirlwind of AI concept photoshoots and intense choreography practice. Everyone was cooperative, and we exchanged ideas freely with the choreographers, ensuring that the routine matched both the vibe of the songs and our strengths. I could feel the group coming together, each of us pushing ourselves to be in sync, determined to make every move flawless.
December 24
The morning was dedicated to more choreography practice, and none of us dared to slack off. One thing is no matter how good conditions we are given by the producers our training and all the things we do is framed and strict. We were determined to perfect every step, making sure that our timing and movements were seamless. By the time we broke for lunch, there was a sense of accomplishment in the air.
We also had half an hour of etiquette class every night before sleeping. Most of the things almost all the members are experts in, such as the way of sitting, walking, standing, drinking, and more.
In the afternoon, the dorm transformed as everyone gathered in the kitchen to bake Christmas cookies and cupcakes. Laughter filled the room as we decorated the three floors with Christmas lights, ornaments, and, of course, the tree.
The Christmas decorations shimmered with a soft, golden glow, turning our space into a festive wonderland. In one corner stood the towering evergreen tree, its branches heavy with sparkling ornaments, delicate glass baubles reflecting the twinkle of fairy lights nestled between the pine needles. Silver tinsel draped elegantly across the tree, catching the light with every movement.
At the top, a radiant star cast a gentle glow over the entire room, and beneath it, presents wrapped in glossy paper and elaborate bows lay waiting, hinting at the excitement they held. The mantel was adorned with a lush garland of fresh pine and holly berries, intertwined with miniature gold bells that jingled faintly with each step. Red stockings, each embroidered with names, hung in a perfect row. A sprig of mistletoe dangled above, tied with a satin ribbon, tempting anyone who passed by.
Candles flickered on side tables, their soft flames casting dancing shadows across the walls. The scent of cinnamon, pine, and freshly baked cookies filled the air, wrapping us all in the unmistakable warmth of Christmas.
Later, we changed into our Christmas outfits. Mine was a red tartan overall, paired with a black long-sleeved dress, black boots, and a red antler headband. The outfit felt festive and fun, just right for the occasion.
After dressing, I retreated to my room to video call my mom. As much as I loved being here, I couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy knowing that my parents and Ivan were spending Christmas in Finland. The thought of them enjoying the snowy landscapes of Lapland while I was away tugged at my heartstrings.
Our call lasted nearly three hours, filled with laughter, updates, and just a little bit of homesickness. After we said our goodbyes, I did my night routine and drifted off to sleep, the warmth of the day still lingering around me.